# fox

/ˈfɑks/ (US) · /fˈɒks/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fox
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the animal

noun · CEFR A1

a wild animal that looks like a small dog with red-brown fur and a thick, bushy tail.

For teachers: a small-to-medium-sized canine mammal of the genus Vulpes, typically characterized by a pointed snout and a prominent brush-like tail.

- We saw a red fox running across the field late last night.
- The urban fox has become increasingly bold, often scavenging for food in residential gardens during the twilight hours.

### 2. a clever person

noun · CEFR B2

a person who is very clever and good at tricking others.

For teachers: a person characterized by cunning, craftiness, or strategic ingenuity.

- Don't trust his business advice; he is a real old fox.
- The veteran politician was a wily old fox who knew exactly how to manipulate the media to his advantage.

### 4. military brevity code

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a code word used by pilots when they fire a missile.

For teachers: a brevity code used by NATO pilots to indicate the launch of an air-to-air munition.

- The pilot shouted 'Fox Three' as he launched the long-range missile.
- Standardized brevity codes like 'Fox One' ensure that all friendly forces understand the type of weapon system currently being deployed in the engagement.

### 5. to confuse

verb · CEFR B2 · British English

to confuse someone so much that they do not know what to do.

For teachers: to baffle, perplex, or outwit someone through complexity or cunning.

- This difficult maths problem has completely foxed me.
- The sudden change in market regulations foxed even the most experienced financial analysts at the firm.

### 6. to discolour paper

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

to develop brown spots on old paper because of age or dampness.

For teachers: to develop brownish-yellow spots on paper, typically caused by fungal growth or oxidation in humid conditions.

- The pages of the antique book were badly foxed and hard to read.
- Collectors often discount the value of nineteenth-century prints if the margins are heavily foxed due to poor storage conditions.

Usage: Usually appears in the passive voice or as the participle 'foxed'.

## Examples

- A red fox ran across the road into the woods.
- The farmer built a stronger fence to keep the fox away from the chickens at night.
- Urban foxes have become increasingly common in major cities, where they have adapted to scavenging for food in residential gardens and parks under the cover of darkness.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.